School’s Out and Hunger Rises: Local Efforts Address Childhood Hunger

In the heart of Oklahoma, where food insecurity casts a shadow over the lives of many, hope emerges from the community’s collective efforts and the steadfast dedication of local initiatives and tribal nations. With Oklahoma opting out of a federal summer food program, leaving more than 400,000 children at risk of hunger, grassroots organizations and tribal governments have responded. It’s a stark reality: Oklahoma ranks among the worst in the nation when it comes to food insecurity, standing at 45th for child food insecurity and 46th for overall food insecurity.

In a state where nearly one in six residents struggles to access nutritious food, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. But amidst these alarming statistics lies a glimmer of hope—a testament to the commitment of communities and organizations determined to change the statistics.

Oasis Fresh Market: Nourishing North Tulsa

In the midst of North Tulsa’s food desert, Oasis Fresh Market stands as a testament to community empowerment. Aaron (AJ) Johnson, owner of Oasis Fresh Market, stated, “We are more than just a grocery store—we are a lifeline for families, offering a full-service experience with a commitment to providing fresh, nutritious options. Approximately one-third of our store’s footprint is dedicated to the produce department, where we take pride in offering competitive pricing on fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Image provided by Oasis Fresh Market

This dedication to accessibility and affordability has made Oasis Fresh Market a cornerstone of the community, with one-third of their total store sales coming from the produce department—double the national average.

“We operate the Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) Program, which matches SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits dollar-for-dollar for fresh fruits and vegetables, empowering families to make healthier choices,” Johnson said.

Through DUO, Oasis Fresh Market has been able to expand their offerings, including an in-house cut fruit and veggie program, which has been met with enthusiasm from customers and continues to grow.

“Oklahoma’s choice to reject the extra benefit for families was honestly difficult for us to witness,” Johnson said. “Even during the school year, we welcome a handful of children daily who show up asking for an afterschool snack. Being on the front lines, we witness the daily struggles of families and individuals trying to make ends meet. However, I suppose the silver lining is that this news is what compelled us to take action; we knew we had to stand in the gap to do something this summer. Doing nothing wasn’t even an option.”

Oasis Summer Café is filling in the gap by offering free breakfast and lunch for all kids under 18 years old during the summer from May 22 through August 14, Monday through Friday.

Harvesting Hope: Food On The Move’s Impactful Solution to Oklahoma’s Food Insecurity Crisis

Food On The Move fills the critical gap left by Oklahoma’s decision not to participate in the federal school food program through its innovative approach focused on three core pillars: access, education and innovation. These pillars enable Food On The Move to transcend conventional methods of addressing food insecurity and swiftly adapt to meet the evolving needs of the community. Over the past year, Food On The Move has served over 30,000 individuals at their Food and Resource Festivals.

Image courtesy Food On The Move

Recognizing the acute vulnerability of students, they have established an agribusiness class in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools, empowering students to cultivate produce through aquaponics, hydroponics and traditional farming while fostering entrepreneurship skills. Through this program, students learn to create nutritious meals using fresh produce, with a focus on distributing these goods to underserved communities three times a month during their events.

Kevin Harper, CEO of Food On The Move, states, “Our commitment to accessibility extends further with the introduction of SNAP benefits for home delivery of healthy food through LocalFarmOK, a division of Food On The Move. Additionally, strategically placed community gardens across the city offer individuals the opportunity to harvest their own produce, further enhancing access to nutritious meals for families in need.”

Tribal Nations: A Lifeline for Families

Tribal nations also stepped up to fill the hunger gap left by the State of Oklahoma’s refusal to accept federal funds. Demonstrating a commitment to their communities’ well-being, the Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation and Muscogee Nation joined forces to provide Summer EBT (electronic benefit transfer) benefits to eligible families within their reservations, extending assistance to both tribal citizens and non-citizens alike. With a focus on food security and the spirit of gadugi (working together for a common purpose), tribal nations want to ensure that no child goes hungry within their territories.

Call to Action: Standing Together Against Hunger

In the face of adversity, the community’s response has been nothing short of inspiring. As we continue our collective efforts to combat childhood hunger, there are ways you can make a difference:

• Support local initiatives like Oasis Fresh Market and Food On The Move by volunteering your time, donating resources or spreading awareness.
• Contribute to the Summer EBT program by sharing information with eligible families.
• Advocate for policy changes and increased government support for childhood nutrition programs at the local and state level.

Together, we can build a future where every child in Oklahoma has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. In the spirit of solidarity and compassion, let us stand together against hunger and create a brighter tomorrow for our communities.

Dr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.